Skip to content
service

CMHC MLI Standard Mortgage Insurance

Straightforward CMHC mortgage insurance for multi-family properties without the complexity of points-based qualification. MLI Standard delivers 85% LTV financing, competitive rates, and streamlined underwriting—making it the fastest path to closing on multi-family acquisitions and refinances.

Book a Strategy Call Apply Online
1

Documentation Submission

Provide standard financial documentation, rent roll, and property appraisal to your CMHC-approved lender.

2

Fast Underwriting

MLI Standard has simplified criteria, enabling faster underwriting and approval without additional points assessment.

3

Close & Fund

Receive efficient closing support and funding, typically within 30-45 days of complete application.

MLI Standard

85% LTV Streamlined CMHC Insurance

MLI Standard is CMHC's straightforward mortgage insurance option for multi-family properties. Without the points-based complexity of MLI Select, MLI Standard focuses on the fundamentals—property income, expenses, and your DSCR—making it ideal for investors who want fast approval and predictable underwriting.

85%
Maximum LTV
40yr
Maximum Amortization
1.10x
Minimum DSCR
50+
Participating Lenders

Simplified Qualification

No points system or complex affordability metrics—just straightforward DSCR, property income, and cash flow analysis.

Faster Approval

Predictable underwriting criteria mean quicker approvals and shorter timelines to closing, often 30-45 days.

Competitive Rates

85% LTV financing with rates competitive to MLI Select, backed by CMHC's guarantee and wide lender availability.

50+ Lenders Available

MLI Standard works across Canada's largest network of lenders, giving you more options and better rate shopping power.

Multi-Family Focus

Designed specifically for 2+ unit rental properties, with underwriting teams experienced in multi-family cash flow analysis.

Predictable Underwriting

Clear, consistent qualification criteria across lenders mean fewer surprises and more confident deal planning.

Need fast CMHC financing for your multi-family deal?

Let's get your application ready and find the best MLI Standard rates.

Book a Strategy Call
Services

MLI Standard Use Cases

Simple, fast financing for multi-family acquisitions and refinances.

Purchase

Finance the purchase of existing 2+ unit rental properties with straightforward CMHC MLI Standard insurance and competitive long-term rates.

Discuss this financing option

What's Included

  • Up to 85% loan-to-value
  • 40-year amortization available
  • DSCR-based qualification

Refinance

Refinance existing CMHC-insured mortgages or uninsured mortgages into MLI Standard to access better rates or extended amortization.

Discuss this financing option

What's Included

  • Access up to 85% of property value
  • Lock in competitive rates
  • Extend amortization up to 40 years

Portfolio Management

Refinance multiple properties or consolidate mortgages across your multi-family portfolio using MLI Standard's consistent, fast-track approval process.

Discuss this financing option

What's Included

  • Consistent underwriting across properties
  • Portfolio-level DSCR analysis
  • Streamlined multi-property closings
Eligibility

CMHC MLI Standard Requirements

MLI Standard eligibility is straightforward. The focus is on the property's income, your debt service coverage, and standard lending criteria.

Requirements

  • CMHC-approved lender relationship and application.
  • Minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.10x.
  • Multi-family property (2+ units) with rent roll and operating statements.
  • Current property appraisal from CMHC-approved appraiser.
  • Minimum 15% down payment (85% LTV maximum).
  • Standard credit and financial qualification documentation.

How We Help

  • Straightforward DSCR analysis with no points complexity.
  • Access to CMHC's extensive lender network for competitive rate shopping.
  • Faster timelines—typically 30-45 days to closing with complete applications.
  • Refinancing strategies to improve DSCR or extend amortization on existing mortgages.
Trusted by Investors

What Our Clients Say

Loading reviews...
FAQ

Questions About MLI Standard Use Cases

Everything you need to know about mli standard use cases.

MLI Standard Basics

MLI Standard is CMHC's core mortgage insurance program for multi-family properties. It offers 85% LTV financing with straightforward DSCR-based qualification and is the most commonly used CMHC product for rental property financing.
MLI Standard is simpler and faster—85% LTV with DSCR-only qualification. MLI Select offers 95% LTV but requires a points-based assessment for affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility features. Choose MLI Standard for straightforward financing, MLI Select for maximum leverage.
MLI Standard typically closes in 30-45 days with a complete application, making it significantly faster than alternative financing. Timeline depends on lender and documentation completeness.
Yes. You can refinance existing CMHC-insured mortgages or uninsured mortgages into MLI Standard to access better rates, extend amortization, or improve cash flow.

Qualification & DSCR

The minimum DSCR is typically 1.10x, meaning your property's net operating income must be at least 10% higher than your annual debt service. Some lenders may require higher DSCR depending on property type and location.
DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI) / Annual Debt Service. NOI is gross rental income minus operating expenses (but not debt service). Lenders want to see strong cash flow beyond your mortgage payment.
Standard lender requirements are 1.10x minimum, but some specialized lenders may go as low as 1.00x in strong markets. A lower DSCR typically means higher rates or larger down payment. Contact us to explore your options.
NOI includes property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, property management, and vacancy provisions. It excludes debt service (mortgage payments), capital expenditures, and owner's income.

Financing & Rates

MLI Standard allows amortization up to 40 years, with common options at 25, 30, and 40 years. Longer amortization improves monthly cash flow but increases total interest paid.
Rates are competitive between both programs. MLI Select may offer a slight premium discount (0.5%) if you qualify, but MLI Standard's higher volume and faster underwriting often result in equally competitive rates.
Yes, MLI Standard is CMHC's most widely available product, with 50+ lenders across all provinces. Availability and rates vary by lender and property location.

Still have questions about mli standard use cases?

Talk to an Expert